First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Open & Affirming Congregation 701 Franklin St. SE PO Box 2850 Olympia, WA 98507-2850 Tel. 360-943-8025 Fax: 360-236-0896 email: churchoffice@firstchristianolympia.org www.firstchristianolympia.org Postage First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Open & Affirming Congregation Capital Christian Vol. 68 No. 6 May 26, 2017 Open Minds Compassionate Hearts Welcoming ALL People PICNIC AND ANNUAL MEETING AT GWINWOOD CAMPGROUNDS! Won t you join us? MISSION OF THE MONTH JUNE PENTECOST Planting churches can help change the world Churches Change the World Start More! is the theme for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 2017 Pentecost Offering, which will be celebrated Sundays, June 4 and June 11. To date, the Christian Church has started 980 new churches in the United States and Canada, sharing the gospel with more than 61,500 individuals since initiating the 2020 Vision in 2000. According to McTyer our original goal was to start 1,000 new congregations by 2020, but we can t stop there. We must continue our journey by setting our heights higher, planting even more churches and equipping more courageous leaders, he says. FCC IN JUNE PICNIC & ANNUAL MEETING pg. 5 PRIDE 17 pg. 6 THE BRIDGE pg. 11 TAKE FLIGHT w/pastor AMY -pg. 15 DIRECTORY UPDATES! First Christian Church Disciples of Christ 701 Franklin St. SE PO Box 2850 Olympia, WA 98507 Tel. 360-943-8025 www.firstchristianolympia.org We ll be gathering at Gwinwood Campgrounds on Sunday, June 11 TH for our worship service. Following the service, we will enjoy our picnic and annual meeting. We ll be celebrating the past year and looking forward to the upcoming year! See page 5 for more information and your RSVP! Transportation available for those who need it! Please, join us as we celebrate! 16
Amy s Corner Rev. Amy LaCroix pastoramy@firstchristianolympia.org Friends, Summer is knocking on our door - June 20th at 9:24 p.m. to be exact. This strange time we long for and lament upon arrival. The moment it comes it goes too fast. Time speeding up while moving into low gear. Sarah Dessen captures it beautifully in her book ALONG FOR THE RIDE, "In the summer, the days were long, stretching into each other. Out of school, everything was on pause and yet happening at the same time, this collection of weeks when anything was possible." Summer is such a delight. Everything feels lighter, easier, simpler. Church simplifies for the summer- We lighten worship and meetings are on hiatus. We typically take the summer off. But this year I want to encourage us to use the summer as a time to prepare, to discern, to pray and to serve- in the easiest, lightest, most summer loving fun kind of way! We will kick it all off at Gwinwood on June 11th with worship at 10:00 a.m. in the main lodge followed by a delicious catered lunch and presentation of next years budget and leadership nominees. We will give thanks and honor to those who have served and embrace and celebrate those who will serve. There will also be an important interactive presentation on visioning/re-structuring for FCC. Every voice is important no matter if you are new to FCC or if you have been here a lifetime - we need to hear from you! I hope that you will plan to attend. There is a suggested donation of $11 to cover lunch, but please do not let the cost prohibit you from joining us. Pay what you can from $0 - $11. If you can pay more invite a friend to join you!! I will be announcing our book selection for One book/one church summer read at the meeting. "Summertime is always the best of what might be." Charles Bowden What better time to dream into our future story!! ALL SUMMER! 4 TH SATURDAY EACH MONTH! Happy Spring! Amy 2 15
OVER BOOKED LITERARY SOCIETY Our next book club meeting will be Thursday, June 22 ND at noon. We will be discussing and sharing what each of us has been reading. Please join us and share whatever you ve been reading lately! You can look forward to getting some great recommendations from others too! For more information about the book club, please contact Jan Carlson, 253-301-4287 There will be a board meeting at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, June 14 TH in the Library. If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Crum, 360-459-2601 or email: recrum57@gmail.com 2-Jun 3-Jun 4-Jun 4-Jun 5-Jun 8-Jun 11-Jun 16-Jun 17-Jun 19-Jun 20-Jun 27-Jun 29-Jun 30-Jun 30-Jun Jillian Henze Jan Carlson Janet Dolan Nancy Nelson Kathy Dornhecker Ken Hall Dick Nye Kellie Lindsey Ernestine Mauerman Danita Ross John Hooper Helena Wilson Katherine Ely Trish Shepard Calvin Wallace I came across a quote the other day that stopped me in my tracks! " The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis." Dante Dante was an expert on hell, or at least he thought about it and wrote about it a lot! I have a hard time thinking about hell even though it is an interesting concept. Maybe it is because I am one of the lucky ones to have enjoyed my life. I think there is more than one kind of hell. To name one...the kind of hell some experience on earth. They are the oppressed. They are the have-nots. They are the unloved. It made me think that maybe if we do the right thing neither the oppressed nor those of us with the ability to correct things will have to face hell! Or as Dante put it, wind up in the reserved section. Thanks for the thought fodder, Dante Debbie There will be an elder s meeting after service on Sunday, June 25 TH. If you have any questions, please contact Si Sarton, 360-259-5463 or email: sssarton@aol.com 2-Jun 8-Jun 10-Jun 21-Jun 21-Jun 24-Jun 29-Jun Pat & Katherine Ely Rayanna & Jessi Downing Doug & Kathy Dornhecker Deb & Jim Dick Karen Ferguson & JEB Thornton Don & Jan Carlson George & Melissa Wallace 14 3
Prayers of the People We pray for these new prayer concerns: Worship Preparation Sunday, June 4: Acts 2:1-21 or Numbers 11:24-30 Psalm 104: 24-34, 35b I Corinthians 12:3b-13 or Acts 2:1-21 John 120:19-23 or John 7:37-39 We give thanks: Linda M c Allister offers prayers of thanks for her healing. Ruth gives thanks for her son Scott s recovery. We pray for these new prayer concerns: Sunday, June 11: Genesis 1:1-2:4a Psalm 8 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28:16-20 Brenda s sister Terri will had knee surgery this week. Jessi s friend Bernie who has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. Ruth s friend Nancy who has fallen. July 24-27 Sunday, June 18: Genesis 18:1-15; (21:1-7) Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 Romans 5:1-8 Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-23) Kathleen Alviar who is not here this morning because of family concerns. For Amy s mom who just had shoulder surgery and for Amy s dad who has injured a knee. July 24-29 www.disciplesnw.org Sunday, June 25: Genesis 21:8-21 Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 Romans 6:1b-11 Matthew 10:24-39 Note: The prayer group considers prayer requests received via a prayer card or attendance card as confidential and are not included on this list. 4 13
Called to Serve in... Elders June 4 Pat Ely June 11 Karen Ferguson June 18 Ellen Cholski June 25 Val Karjala Communion Prep & Cleanup June 4 Ken Hall June 11 Jenny Heddin June 18 Mindy Chambers June 25 Lylburn Layer Greeters June 4 : Elsie Kunze & Judy Bushell June 11: Mindy Chambers June 18 : Jessi & Rayanna Downing June 25 : Helena Wilson JUNE Home bound Communion: Ellen Cholski Deacons Team 1 Ken Hall Dorothy Smith Jessi Downing Rayanna Downing Team 2 Jenny Heddin Don Hutchings Helena Wilson Team 3 Mindy Chambers Don Hutchings Mia LaCroix Judy Gregorius PICNIC & ANNUAL MEETING MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Bring a Friend to Lunch Day!! Sunday, June 11 th, we will be holding the church service and the annual meeting at Gwinwood Campground in Lacey. We will be having lunch catered by the Gwinwood kitchen. The suggested donation of $11. We want everyone to be a part of this wonderful day so please do not let cost keep you from coming. Pay what you can from $0 to beyond. Address: 6015 30 TH Ave. SE Lacey, WA It s just off Ruddell Rd. and 30 TH. Everything will be ready! All we need is you! Sound System & Video Kathleen Alviar Coffee Hour: June 4 Rachel Crum June 11 Picnic & Meeting at Gwinwood June 18 Jenny Heddin June 25 Katherine & Pat Ely Team 4 Lylburn Layer Edrie Harrington Peggy Frazier OFFICE CLOSED Monday, May 29 TH, the church office will be closed in honor of Memorial Day. The office will re-open Tuesday, May 30 TH at 8:00 am. DIRECTORY TIME! It s that time again! We ll be publishing our new directory following the annual meeting on June 11 TH. Do you have a new address? Phone #? Email? Or, are you not sure you re listed in the directory at all? please check with Mary to make sure we get you listed! New directories are scheduled to be printed and emailed in June. 12 5
PRIDE JUNE 17,2017! Please join us in living our faith by demonstrating FCC's support and welcome to all people by participating in the 2017 Capital City Pride! There are two opportunities to volunteer. Join us on Saturday, June 17th at 11 am (parade starts at noon) to walk in the parade. This year we will be singing for the parade route (lyrics will be provided). We also need volunteers to staff the booth from 1 to 5 pm. Sign up sheets will be available outside the sanctuary. This year we are only asking for 1 hour slots so minimal commitment to this super fun and signature volunteer opportunity. Please contact Jenny Heddin, LOFT chair, if you have questions. 360-951-3076 or jennymgreenlee@gmail.com DISCIPLE WOMEN'S MINISTRIES The Disciple Women's Ministry (DWM) have used Blessing Boxes for several years. So what is a Blessing Box? It's a tool to help us focus each day on how God is blessing us. It provides a way to express thanks for small or large blessings. It s a small, square box to donate your money to bless other. During the month of June the money is collected and sent to the Disciple Home Missions. Blessing boxes can be used by any one - not just DWM attenders. If you would like to have a Blessing Box and participate in the Blessing Box Ministry call Edrie Harrington- president (438-5018) or Joanne Goodwin - treasurer (491-0902) and we'll make sure that you get a Blessing Box. It's a visible way of thinking of the many blessing that each of us have and a way helping those who need assistance. THURSDAY, JUNE 8 TH @ 6:00PM WHERE QUESTIONS, DOUBT, PRAYER, FAITH, STUDY, LAUGHTER AND LOVE MEET JOIN US AT THE BRIDGE MEETING AT GWINWOOD CAMPGROUNDS IN LACEY 6015 30 TH AVE. 6 11
BUSHELL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPEINTS The Bushell Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the 2017-2018 George and Kathryn Bushell Scholarship awards. We are continuing to support Heesook Yoo who received scholarships for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 school years. She is going into her final year in the Master of Divinity program at the Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry. She is the Moderator for our Northwest Regional Church and a member of the Mannam Christian Church in Everett. ANIMAL PRAYER MINISTRY When your pet is ill or hurt do you wish that our church could add him/her to our prayer list? Beginning June 1 ST you will have that opportunity! You can email your request to Val Karjala: karjalav@yahoo.com. You can expect a reply within 24 hours. Our pets are so special and important to each of us! I m looking forward to serving you, as an Elder at First Christian Church, and as a doggie mom. Karen Ferguson, a member of our congregation, is our second scholarship recipient. Karen is enrolled at Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California. In her application letter Karen stated, The support of my church family is deeply humbling and appreciated beyond what my words are capable of expressing. TUESDAYS AT THE PARK! Love to take your dog for walks? Thank you, from Millie Martel: Millie sends her thanks to all who reached out in prayer to her; especially: Billie Briggs, Jan Carlson, Peggy Frazier, Joanne Goodwin, Edrie Harrington, and all the DWM Ladies. Her right eye is healing; and she will have surgery on her left soon. Thank you to everyone who reached out with cards, notes, and calls Millie When? Every Tuesday evening, starting the third Tuesday in June, 6/20/17 Time? 7:15 pm Where? Capitol Lake Park, by restrooms Why? Give yourself and your dog an opportunity for exercise, as well as creating companionship and conversation with other doggie parents! Don t have a dog? Join us anyway!! Walking is more fun when you are surrounded by people and pets!! Who? To contact for questions? Val Karjala 360-402 8811 or email karjalav@yahoo.com 10 7
Disciples Women s Ministries (DWM) The Disciples Women s Ministries group will share a brown bag lunch on Wednesday, June 7 TH at 11:30. Dessert will be provided by our hostess, Jan Carlson. Helena Wilson will lead us as we celebrate the installation of officers for 2017-2018: President: Edrie Harrington Vice President: Peggy Frazier Secretary: Debbie Dick Treasurer: Joanne Goodwin There will be no meeting and study in July. Instead, the DWM will hold their summer picnic at Joanne Goodwin s new home on July 19 TH at noon. We will enjoy a salad potluck. All women of the church are welcome! Joanne s new address is: 5409 Shincke Rd. NE Olympia, WA 98506-9632 There will be no meeting in August. We ll resume our usual schedule in September. Edrie Harrington 360-438-5018 A special thank you to the following people who graciously provided f ellowship in May: Brenda Hatcher Lizbeth M artin -Mahar Si Sarton Leah Wilson Schedule for Fellowship in June: JUNE 4: RACHEL CRUM JUNE 11: ALL CHURCH PICNIC & ANNUAL MEETING AT GWINWOOD CAMP JUNE 18: JENNY HEDDIN JUNE 25: KATHERINE & PAT ELY GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL REPORT April 2017 APRIL 2017 Fiscal Year July 2016 - April 2017 Monthly Giving $7,870.00 Annual Giving $94,913.82 Other Income 2,707.83 Other Income 26,846.30 Foundation Distribution 12,791.59 Budget Expenses (18,388.89) Budget Expenses (157,029.98) Over (Under) ($7,811.06) Over (Under) ($22,478.27) Mission - Easter Offering $312.00 - Other Outreach $603.90 Total outreach donations for the fiscal year - $5,313.39 The approved budget for the July 2016 - June 2017 fiscal year contains a deficit of $55,151.54. At the end of April 2017 there is a deficit of $22,478.27. Actual expenses are at 80.21% of the total annual budget or 3.12% under budget. Revenue is at 95.67% of the estimated annual income. 109.68% needed to cover the current deficit. Savings balance $87,813.59 Building Repair Savings $691.87 Memorial Fund $2,739.22 $10,000 donation from Out of the Woods dissolution. $3,466.29 used for new furnace for Sacred Space $4,368.33 used for roof repair 8 9